In order to enable our teams to be incredibly responsive, creating effective design solutions, we equip them with the tools they need:

• Dedicated project team for each client
• Education and training
• Inter-studio project showcases
• The most advanced architectural software, allowing them to maintain project integrity through accuracy and efficiency.
• Direct 24/7 internet access, providing a platform for client interaction and e-project management

Our team of dedicated professionals focus on three key elements:

• Listening to clients and understanding their needs
• Applying creative yet proven ideas to design solutions
• Ensuring personal accessibility to keep our clients informed

Over 50% of OTJs staff has taken it upon themselves to become LEED accredited, demonstrating the personal commitment to professional development within our team. OTJ has one of the highest percentages of experts in sustainable design and architecture in the Washington, DC, area.

Lance Jaccard, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner | Business Development

"The person who I am designing for intrigues me. It is something I never lose sight of, and I always maintain that somebody is going to live in this space—on many different levels."

Lance is a registered Architect and Interior Designer as well as LEED Accredited Professional. Lance has over 20 years of experience, and is the managing Partner with OTJ Architects. Lance has a reputation for being a problem solver where creativity and forward thinking drive his daily routine.

Roger Sola-Sole

Partner & Studio 1 Director

Laura K. Kennington, LEED AP

Director of Business Development

Laura is the Director of Business Development. She helps set the strategic plan of the marketing/business development team and ensures that team goals are met. The majority of her time is spent developing relationships and finding private sector, government, and developer project opportunities.

Kevin Sneed, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner & Director of Architecture

Kevin is the Director of Architecture and has worked as a Senior Project Architect/Quality Control Manager for several large architecture/interiors firms in the DC metropolitan area. He is both a registered architect and a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) with over 20 years experience in the industry. Kevin manages a variety of projects, and is involved in marketing of the firm as well as providing quality assurance and quality control for the projects in the office.

Meg Murdock

Director of Finance

Meg is the Director of Finance. She leads all of the Billing and Accounts Receivables for our firm. 

Anthony J. Martin, AIA, LEED AP

Partner & Studio 2 Director

"I admire the work we did on the Embassy of Liberia, because OTJ took a burned, wrecked and what appeared to be a totally unsalvageable building and transformed it into an elegant facility with historical integrity."

Tony has more than 22 years of experience working on projects that range from corporate spaces to health clubs and historic townhouses to law firms. Tony manages various types of projects, markets OTJ’s work and keeps a sharp eye on the studio’s schedule. 

Julie Owens

Business Development Manager

Julie has previous experience working in the government and medical fields. This experience helps her understand OTJ’s medical and government clients. Her background has led her to focus on government and medical outreach. She works with the architects and designers to efficiently put together proposals so that the design process can begin promptly.

Lou Gauci, AIA

Partner & Studio 3 Director

“The architecture and design of each project must integrate all client parameters including function, budget and schedule. It is also my objective to go beyond the expected and achieve a special sense of space which embraces those who work there.”

Lou is a registered Architect with more than 20 years of experience. As a creative architect and effective project manager, he ensures client satisfaction by establishing conceptual priorities and optimizing tasks to facilitate excellent design, cost effectiveness and timely completion. Well versed in project design and construction administration, Lou has an excellent record of achieving design, budgetary and schedule requirements.

Dean S. Newins, AIA, LEED AP

Partner & Studio 5 Director

Dean is a registered Architect with more than 20 years of experience.  He is a creative architect and effective project manager. Dean achieves all his client’s needs through listening, setting priorities and optimizing tasks. With extensive experience in design/build, Dean has been responsible for all project phases ranging from parking structures, office and retail projects, institutional facilities, tenant improvement, and Government projects.

Joanne Sarreas

Finance

Joanne assists Meg in collecting Accounts Receivable to meet our monthly goals. Her finance and administration background along with her customer relation skills allow her to communicate effectively with our clients.

Katie Schiavi

Business Development Manager

Katie is part of the business development team.  She focuses on building relationships within the industry focusing on base building and design build architecture. 

Stacy Fruscella

Director of Human Resources and Operations 

As Director of Human Resources and Operations, Stacy makes sure both OTJ’s building and office runs smoothly. Throughout the year, Stacy plans various events for the office. 

Amanda Heptinstall

Marketing Manager

Amanda uses her creative design skills to support the marketing team, which can be seen through OTJ’s various marketing materials.   Amanda is the go to person when it comes to preparing presentations for interviews.

Caki Diehl

Designer, Project & Business Development Manager

Caki is part of the business development team and a project manager. Caki has more than 14 years of interior design and real estate development experience. She has a comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines, including creative design, product and services marketing, construction materials evaluation, architectural detailing, programming and space planning.

Omar A. Chakaki

Graphic / Web Design

Omar has over 7 years of experience in design, marketing, and business development with OTJ Architects. His architectural background & graphic design skills have helped our firm secure many new clients, and receive several AIA & IIDA Awards in the process - including the coveted AIA Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design.

 Liz Marshall

Senior Marketing Coordinator

Liz uses her creative skills to support the marketing team.  Liz focuses on assembling proposals and various marketing materials.